FHS Oliver Twist "Nolly"
Breed: Lipizzan x Unknown
Height: 15.3 hh
Gender: Gelding
Age: 13 (1930-1943)
Colour: Dapple Grey(base bay)
Discipline(s): Classical Dressage
Gaits: Nolly has light, flowing gaits that are a dream to ride. However, he can easily fool a rider into thinking he is going forward when he is not, since his movements are always so elegant and expressive.
Under Saddle: This handsome boy is a pleasure to ride. He is responsive and understanding, even with a novice rider. Unfortunately, he has anxiety issues, causing him to be quite spooky at times. He is ridden in a double bridle or a bridle with a drop noseband and a French-link snaffle.
Personality: Nolly is a nervous little boy. He can get himself worked up over nothing, and dislikes being pushed out of his comfort zone. He is trusting, however, which helps to counteract his anxiety. He more likely to be willing to do something if someone he likes is on his back. Nolly loves to please, although sometimes he does not know how to go about doing it. He is incredibly affectionate and social, and loves to play when he feels safe. He has a tendency to steal hats, especially those of prominent naval officers. They seem to charm him - he has a 'thing' for gold lace!
History: Nolly was born in Austria. He was an accident - a breeder's Lipizzaner mare was covered by an unknown stallion. This was not known until much later on. He was brought up with the other mares and foals, until it was apparent he was not a purebred. He was gelded, but the breeder kept him with the hopes that he could be trained as a performance horse. His training went well, until the ongoing war forced the breeder to abandon his business. Nolly and the rest of the Lipizzans were set free to fend for themselves. They were most likely to die of exposure, or become food for starving soldiers. Nolly managed to escape these fates, and found himself near Rosenheim, Germany, on a disused railroad leading to Munich. Lieutenant Wymer, who was in Germany for his studies, found the horse. He took him all the way across war-torn Europe, and managed to cross the channel to Britain, where he contacted Eswhich, and brought Nolly there. He was adopted by Twite, and given the name 'Oliver Twist' in recognition of the centennial anniversary of the famed novel.
Art: